ASBURY PARK – The Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group and United Way of Monmouth County will hold a “Caring With Karaoke” event from 7 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at The Stone Pony.

With proceeds benefiting United Way’s early grade reading initiative, the event will include a karaoke contest, a silent auction, live music and various prizes.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, and include a light buffet and drink ticket.

The early grade reading initiative was established after United Way analyzed state data and determined that 62.4 percent of fourth grade students in the lowest socioeconomic status school districts in Monmouth County are reading below grade level, compared to 20.5 percent of students in the highest socioeconomic districts. The program helps avoid the loss of knowledge than can occur over the summer months and ensure that more children in Monmouth County are reading to learn – rather than still learning to read – by the end of third grade, which contributes to their success academically and in life.

To date, United Way has invested $115,000 for successful summer reading and enrichment programs with nonprofit partners serving students entering kindergarten through third grades in the Keansburg, Red Bank and Freehold Borough school districts.

Various sponsorship opportunities are available for the Caring for Karaoke event. Current sponsors include the Lakewood BlueClaws, Paul-Mark Printing, The Stone Pony (Platinum Sponsors) and The Curchin Group (Gold Sponsor), and Michael Langsner and Xplosive Entertainment have generously donated their time and services to DJ the event.